Whether you’re an association leader or a regular member, networking within your group or within another area group will provide useful contacts to further advance the goals of your association or your own officiating career. It can only help to get to know the leaders of other associations and it’s absolutely invaluable to understand the needs of your own membership. The more you know about people, the better you can utilize their skills to help with association management.
Step 1 — Arrive early so you can greet others as they arrive. That also gives you time to mingle and make small talk with more people before the actual business of the meeting begins.
Step 2 — Split up from the officials you already know well. There’s comfort in hanging out with your buddies, but that interferes with your ability to make new contacts.
Step 3 — Be happy, enthusiastic and positive. Don’t grumble or lament your tough day.
Step 4 — Don’t butt in. Interrupting can create a bad first impression. Stand close by, and when a pause or opening appears, jump in.
Step 5 — Have your business card — or better yet, your officiating business card — handy to give to those you hit it off with.
Step 6 — Stay late after the meeting. The longer you stay, the more contacts you make.
Step 7 — After the meeting, follow up good contacts with an email or phone call.
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